First Online: 20 May 2010Received: 19 January 2010Revised: 21 April 2010Accepted: 20 May 2010

Abstract

IntroductionHeparin-induced thrombocytopenia HIT is a serious, prothrombotic, immune-mediated adverse reaction triggered by heparin therapy. When HIT is diagnosed or suspected, heparins should be discontinued, and an alternative, fast-acting, parenteral, nonheparin anticoagulation such as argatroban should be initiated. Limited and inconsistent data exist about dosing of argatroban in intensive care unit ICU patients with critical illnesses.

ResultsThe 12 ICU patients with a mean platelet count of 46,000 ± 30,310 had a mean APACHE II score of 26.7 ± 7.8 on ICU admission and a mean SAPS II score of 61.5 ± 16.3 on the first day of argatroban administration. A mean argatroban starting dose of 0.32 ± 0.25 μg-kg-min min, 0.04; max, 0.83 was used to achieve activated partial thromboplastin times aPTTs >60 sec or aPTTs of 1.5 to 3 times the baseline aPTT. Adjustment to aPTT required dose reduction in six 50% patients. Patients were treated for a mean of 5.5 ± 3.3 days. The final mean dose in these critically ill patients was 0.24 ± 0.16 μg-kg-min, which is about one eighth of the usually recommended dose and even markedly lower than the previously suggested dose for critically ill ICU patients. In all patients, desired levels of anticoagulation were achieved. The mean argatroban dose was significantly lower in patients with hepatic insufficiency compared with patients without hepatic impairment 0.10 ± 0.06 μg-kg-min versus 0.31 ± 0.14 μg-kg-min; P = 0.026. The mean argatroban dose was significantly correlated with serum bilirubin r = -0.739; P = 0.006.

ConclusionsICU Patients with MODS and HIT can be effectively treated with argatroban. A decrease in the initial dosage is mandatory in this patient population. Further studies are needed to investigate argatroban elimination and dosage adjustments for critically ill patients.